Gerry Boyle, director of Teagasc, quoted the report during his address at the Teagasc conference entitled ‘Employing people on farms’ in Thurles on Thursday.

Although dairy numbers remain static, average herd size has also risen, from 54 cows in 2005 to 76 cows in 2016.

While the same report by outlined that 6,000 new labourers are needed over the next 10 years in the industry, Boyle also raised the issue of improving farmers attitude towards farm labour.

Farm labour

If farmers want good people they can trust, they must pay them a fair wage

With figures showing a 35% increase in milk production in 2016 to that of 2009 and 2007 statistics and herd sizes increasing, Boyle admits farmers are now entering a new era of farm management.

“Farmers are entering a new territory now. They haven’t had to manage labour before. If farmers want good people they can trust, they must pay them a fair wage.”

“Farmers record of managing farm labour has not been good and the way we manage labour must change,” Boyle commented.

As labour remains a crucial issue for the future, Boyle told the conference that employing farm labour must be gather careful consideration.

“All farms should look to efficiency before expansion, if you are going to hire, take good advice if it right for you at all.”

The conference also included speakers from Labour relations commission and farm management specialist, Kevin Connolly, who discussed the financial aspects of farm labour.

Read more

Farmer reactions to Teagasc labour report

Saudi Arabian 105,000-cow dairy unit seeks manager

Max power: dealing with labour on a 900-cow dairy farm